University of Bolton alumnus and successful businessman returns to inspire students

A former University of Bolton student, who now owns a multi-million-pound business, returned to campus to give an inspirational talk.

Scott Warrington, aged 36, completed a Masters degree in Community Sports Development, studying part-time over three years, while he was working as Community Development Manager at St Joseph’s RC High School in Horwich. Soon after, he co-founded his own company, School Lettings Solutions (SLS), in 2012. It has become one of the fastest growing sport and leisure SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in the UK, currently working with 230 schools nationwide, enabling them to organise a variety of activities for the local community. The business employs 850 staff and is estimated to reach a revenue of £13m by August this year. Scott, who lives in Chorley, visited the University of Bolton to deliver a presentation to Sports Development and Coaching students, who are due to graduate this summer. He said: “It is vitally important to me to demonstrate that building a business is not rocket science.” “I am living proof of that. I was not a natural when it came to studying but I worked hard, and listened to and learned from good people.” “I want to show that whatever your background or situation is, success can be achieved if you want it badly enough.” He added: “I am passionate about sport, local communities, young people and marginalised groups, and this business helps to make a difference to those people.”

Craig Hobbs, Senior Lecturer in Sports Development and Management, and Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Sports Development & Coaching at the University of Bolton said: “We are very grateful for Scott to take the time to come and talk to students.” “For them to see a graduate who has co-founded such an innovative and successful sports business operation and is so passionate about it is great.” “Scott provided a tremendously interesting insight for them.”